Lt-Col Edward Gopsill

LieutenantColonel Edward Gopsill, who has died aged 94, was awarded an MC and a DSO while serving on operations in Indo-China and Malaya.

In December 1949 Gopsill was in the Jerantut area of Pahang, Malaya, in command of a company of 1st Battalion 6th Gurkha Rifles (1/6 GR). On December 13 news came through that a platoon of 1/10 GR was following up a large group of Communist terrorists (CTs) about 150 strong.

Gopsill took up the chase soon after six in the morning. When he reached the terrorists a sentry opened fire, and Gopsill attacked at once.

He had about 60 men and was outnumbered and outgunned. In an out-flanking move, he sent two platoons to the left and right while he charged down the centre with a third. He himself shot four CTs and the ferocity of his attack forced the gang to make a hasty retreat. Born December 22 1921, died July 25 2016